Welford residents say housing plans do not do enough to offset climate change - The Stratford Observer

Welford residents say housing plans do not do enough to offset climate change

Stratford Editorial 16th Oct, 2020   0

ANGRY residents say plans for a development in Welford do not do enough to offset climate change.

Ward councillor Manuela Perteghella and Welford Parish Council are objecting to the application for 24 houses from Rosconn Strategic Land on Barton Road.

Coun Perteghella has raised a number of points based on a climate checklist submitted by the developer.

This includes accessibility to reduce traffic, the use of sustainable technology such as solar panels, and efforts to increase or maintain biodiversity and green areas.




She pointed out the development did not have ‘pedestrian connectivity’ and the only bus service to Stratford was every two hours meaning homeowners would be car-dependent.

The councillor also said fences and walls impede wildlife movement for vulnerable species like hedgehogs, and there would be a loss of green space for residents in Barton Fields, where an access point would cut through the cul-de-sac and surrounding green areas.


She explained: “The grass verge and mature hedgerow, as well as the dense ground vegetation at the side of Barton Fields, has been used for at least the past 14 years as an amenity, social and community space by the residents. It is regularly and lovingly maintained by residents. Children play on the area, elderly residents enjoy the shade in the summer months, families socialise and pick blackberries in the late summer and when autumn begins.

“The hedgerow and trees provide habitat for insects, and several species of birds visit and nest in the trees.

“During the pandemic, the green space has allowed residents to still interact socially distant.”

The plans have received nearly 140 letters of objection from disgruntled residents.

Other concerns include overdevelopment, inadequate infrastructure including a primary school at full capacity, traffic volumes and loss of privacy.

Despite concerns, the proposals have been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The case officer argued houses would be sustainably constructed and a number of climate change mitigating measures would be in place including electric vehicle charging points and water butts, as well as the planting of native trees and hedgerows.

The report estimated the development would mean an additional five primary age pupils and the places would not be needed for several years.

It concluded 24 houses was a small-scale development, even though it surpassed housing numbers identified in the Core Strategy, and would contribute to the continuity of maintaining housing supply.

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